Rise In Catalytic Converter Thefts
This is a message sent via Neighbourhood Alert. This information has been sent on behalf of Nottinghamshire Police
Message sent by
Aaron Stocks (Police, PCSO 4778, Ranskill & Sutton (East Bassetlaw)
There has been a rise of catalytic converter thefts in the East Bassetlaw policing area. Most vehicles have catalytic converters and if stolen, they are expensive and inconvenient to replace. Reactive and neighbourhood policing teams are being proactive in preventing offences and targeting offenders, and specialist metal theft teams are involved in investigating these thefts.
However, there is some basic crime reduction techniques that could reduce the likelihood of you becoming a victim of such thefts. Companies that may be able to assist can be found online.
- Effective security lighting.
- CCTV, including remotely monitored CCTV, when controllers can update police as suspicious activity is identified.
- Perimeter security. This prevents or slows down offenders.
- Defensive parking – high clearance vehicles are the preferred target of thieves, so they could be protected by low clearance vehicles which will slow down offenders or make the target unappealing.
- Welded bolts. Bolts can be welded on, making it more difficult for a non-expert thief to steal the item.
- Catalytic converter protective sleeve – these are expensive but make it more difficult to remove the items. There are various brands and these can be found online.
- ID etching – having some form of ID on the catalytic converter itself will make them more difficult to sell illegally and easy to track down if recovered by police. Overtly advertising that the vehicle has such ID etching may make it less desirable for thieves.
- Make police aware of suspicious behaviour as soon as possible on 999.